WBC 2026: Another Injury Blow for Korea as Moon Dong-ju Exits

A shoulder injury has forced Hanwha Eagles pitcher Moon Dong-ju off the South Korean national baseball team’s roster ahead of the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC), officials confirmed Wednesday.

Moon, widely considered a top prospect and potential ace for the national team, experienced sudden shoulder pain during bullpen practice on February 4th, according to the Hanwha Eagles. The injury will prevent him from participating in the tournament, marking a significant setback for the team’s pitching plans.

In his place, manager Ryu Ji-hyun has added Seattle Mariners minor leaguer Dane Dunning and KT Wiz’s Ko Young-pyo to the 30-man roster. Dunning, a Korean-American player, recently signed a minor league contract with the Mariners. Ko Young-pyo, known for his distinctive submarine delivery and precise control, is expected to play a key role against challenging opponents like Japan and Taiwan.

The announcement of the final roster came during a press conference held by Ryu Ji-hyun at the Seoul Press Center on February 6th. The team is scheduled to commence training in Okinawa on February 15th, with their first game of the qualifying round against the Czech Republic slated for March 5th.

The inclusion of Dunning marks a high for Korean-American representation on the national team, with a total of four players of Korean heritage now on the roster. The team hopes that Dunning’s experience and Ko Young-pyo’s specialized pitching style will compensate for the loss of Moon’s velocity and potential.